Tom G. Ezell

Tom Ezell (aka Tommy Gene, Poppy, Coach, Easy) passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Neshoba, Mississippi to Francis Barfield Ezell and William Clyde Ezell. Tom grew up in Mobile, Alabama and graduated from Murphy High School where he excelled at all sports, in particular football and baseball.

Tom attended Trinity University on football and baseball scholarships, where after 60 years, he still holds unbroken batting records for most doubles and triples in single games. He was known for his quickness, confidence, and tenacity, all traits that served him well in sports and life in general. While at Trinity he fell in love with Lilla Keyes, who he often said was the most beautiful person he had ever met. Tom later served in the Army at Fort Hood where he continued to play baseball and football. After his service, Tom went to work for Xerox where he was named Top Salesman in the state. He married his college sweetheart, Lilla, and started the next chapter of their lives in Austin. Tom and Lilla quickly became devoted Texas Longhorn fans, never wanting to miss a football game. They shared their love of Longhorn sports with their sons, Mark, and Monte, and eventually their five grandchildren.

Never one to sit still and always the entrepreneur, Tom changed careers and opened several Schwinn bike shops (most notably one at 29th & Lamar) and flooring stores. With a talent for sales, Tom became a successful commercial real estate broker and rounded out his career managing commercial properties. Proud of his humble beginnings, Tom never took life for granted and worked hard for every accomplishment. He often shared stories about growing up in Mobile, Alabama and working on the farm gathering eggs from the chicken coop and painting houses during the summers. He wanted his sons to understand the value of hard work and instill in them that nothing comes easy. To this end, he had his sons working over summer breaks, carrying lumber, and demolishing the interiors of downtown buildings. He encouraged them to make their own way and to appreciate that respect and success are earned.

His family was the most important part of his life. He was enormously proud of his sons and actively spent time with them while they were growing up. He coached their teams at WAYA, taught them to ski on Lake Travis at their lake house, hunted with them in South Texas, and made sure family outings to Sandy’s for soft serve and breakfast at Holiday House were weekly rituals. Tom looked forward to weekend hunts in South Texas with his wife and sons. He had a Labrador named Cadey who he trained for field competitions. When it came to riding in the front seat of the ’77 Ford Bronco hunting rig, it was of course, his adored Cadey. Lilla often joked that Tom loved Cadey the most.

Tom thrived on competition, and in his early years, played competitive tennis. He and Lilla were ranked third in the state in the husband/wife division. He enjoyed a weekly game of golf with friends at Barton Creek Country Club and Lions Municipal Golf Course. Anyone who knew Tom knew how much he loved to dance. If music was playing, you could be sure he was dancing and he did so even as he faced the challenges of dementia. One of the family’s most treasured memories is of Tom and Lilla dancing together. We find comfort knowing that he continues to share his passion and instruction for dancing with the angels.

Tom was physically fit and worked out three times a week. His only guilty pleasures were a daily serving of Bluebell ice cream and a Dr. Pepper. Among his family, he holds the record for the best milkshakes in town. He often reminded the family that they should add Raisin Bran and bananas to their diets. He was a true salesman and before you knew it, you were trying what he was enjoying and agreeing that it was the best.

Among his many passions, Tom loved traveling with Lilla and spending time with her in Colorado during the summer. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting quail in South Texas and exploring the family hill country ranch with his grandchildren. One of his most memorable trips was a fishing trip he took with his sons to Katmai Lodge in Alaska.

Tom enjoyed each of these passions but considered his children and grandchildren his greatest accomplishment. He could often be heard bragging about them to anyone who would listen. He and Lilla made it a priority to attend their grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and were considered part of the team family. Tom had no qualms about coaching his grandkids or other kids from the stands. His “instructional advice,” although often unsolicited, became an expected gesture at each activity. Common coaching tips were “Watch the Target,” “Tie his shoes,” and “Watch the Ball Out of his Hand.” Always the coach, it was in his DNA.

Tom loved Austin and left a legacy not only to his family, but to the community. He created long lasting friendships and was the first to extend his hand, introduce himself, and greet someone. If he did not know you, he would make every effort to make sure he did. He was one of the original seven visionaries of the West Austin Youth Association, served as President of Westwood Country Club, was selected by the Austin City Council to serve on the Parks and Recreation Committee, was a member and Deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church, a member of the Admirals Club, Bachelors of Austin, Knights of the Symphony, ACRES, and other professional organizations. More than anything else, he was a faithful servant, devoted son and brother, adoring husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished friend, and hardworking and respected businessman. He was our Coach.

Tom will be deeply and forever missed, but lovingly remembered for his dedication to family. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Martha Horton. He is survived by his wife, Lilla; his son Mark and wife Kimberley; his son Monte and wife Cari; 5 grandchildren: Mason, Chloe, Will, Wyatt and Weston; his niece Cindy and her husband Randy Hallford; his brothers- in- law, John Keyes and Rocky Keyes; sister-in-law, Nan Moss; and cousins, Elliott and Pansy Flick and their family.

We appreciate the outpouring of love that our family has received from those who knew Tom. We are grateful to everyone who cared for him over the past few years as he battled dementia. Your love and concern have touched our hearts.

Poppy, thank you for teaching us about respect, integrity, hard work, kindness, and love.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr., Austin, Texas 78731.

The family requests that memorial tributes be directed to The West Austin Youth Association and Save Muny, both special organizations Tom held close to his heart.